Lifting weights may seem intimidating or confusing to people who do not work out or are new to the gym. Incorporating weight lifting into a regular exercise program has many purposes and can be beneficial to your physical and mental health. No matter how old you are, it is never too late to reap the many benefits of weight lifting.

Building Muscle

Lifting weights can help you build strength and muscle mass, and maintaining lean muscle mass can help you be physically stronger. Increasing muscle mass can build stamina and energy levels so you can work out longer and work harder in your everyday life. Lifting weights is not just for men; it can also help women achieve a lean and "toned" look.

Losing Weight

Lifting weights helps build lean muscle mass, which increases your metabolism. Lean muscle burns calories at a higher rate than fat and can consume up to 25 percent of your energy at rest. Lifting weights can also help melt visceral fat and fat that surrounds the organs. Some weight-training regimens can actually replicate many of the health benefits commonly associated with cardiovascular workouts like running and swimming. Maintaining lean muscle mass can help you maintain a normal, healthy weight.

Mental Health

Lifting weights has been shown to stimulate the nervous system and help keep the brain active by causing a surge of brain usage. Lifting weights requires, and therefore improves mental focus. It has also been shown to improve memory and cognitive functioning, improve sleep and increase self-esteem. Lifting weights can also alleviate mental-health issues such as depression and anxiety by improving nervous-system functioning and increasing the release of neurotransmitters.

Anti-Aging

Lifting weights can help ward off age-related illnesses and prevent osteoporosis by strengthening the bones and increasing bone density. It can lessen loss of joint flexibility that is caused by aging. Lifting weights can also help prevent falls by improving coordination, stability and balance. Aging puts you at a higher risk for conditions like high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and obesity. Strength training can help slow down the effects of aging and reduce the likelihood of developing all of these conditions.

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About the Author

Gabrielle Nicolet has been writing and editing professionally since 2004. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northern Illinois University. Nicolet is also a certified nutrition, wellness and weight-management consultant with American Fitness Professionals and Associates.